“I’m really happy. I had an unlucky season so far and I worked really hard for this. I really love this area and I had a great preparation for almost a month here in America,” said Gesink, better known as a climber but who turns into a real circuit specialist when he comes to Canada. Having ridden the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, the Dutchman opted to come to America instead of going to the Spanish Vuelta to better prepare for the world championships and the option obviously paid off.

In the final stretch, the Belkin-Pro Cycling Team rider overtook French champion Arthur Vichot, who made his attempt a little too early. “It’s my first podium in a World Tour race so I cannot realistically be disappointed but I finished close for sure,” said Vichot.

In third position was Greg van Avermaet (BMC) who made it on the podium for the second year in succession thanks to a brilliant last gasp surge.

The contenders for final victory waited until the very last ascent of the decisive Cote de la Montagne to make their move after a series of breaks took place during the 16 laps on the 201.6 km race distance. Tour de France champion Chris Froome and favourite Peter Sagan, who attacked three times unsuccessfully, were seen assaulting the climb but were eventually not in contention in the final sprint. The last man out was Dutchman Niki Terpstra, who was only caught in the final two kilometres and saved enough strength to finish 6th, just behind 2011 Montreal winner Rui Costa.

The mountain classification (GPM) went to Portugal’s Tiago Machado, who was rewarded for staging the longest break of the day for 143 kms along with Valerio Agnoli (Astana) and Pello Bilbao (Euskaltel).

The best Canadian was, as often, Ryder Hesjedal, who finished 39th, 40 seconds back.

Thanks to his knowledge of the terrain, Robert Gesink will again be the man to beat in Montreal on Sunday. “It’s true that the Montreal course, with a longer climb, normally suits me better,” he warned.

And van Avermaet, who failed to deliver in spite of the tremendous teamwork by his BMC teammates all day, now has a strategy ready for Sunday. “Since Gesink is stronger in Montreal, I’ll stick to his wheel all day and beat him on the line,” he said. As for Vichot, 8th and 13th in Montreal in the past, he admitted his podium placing had given him hopes to do even better.

Canada’s Ryan Anderson of Vancouver, BC (Canadian National Team) was the top finisher for the Canadian team, finishing in 40th position, just one position after Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp) who won the Best Canadian Jersey.

“It think it was a pretty interesting edition today. The early break went, but it didn’t last very long. They started racing pretty hard with six laps to go, and it was really hard for the rest of the day. I didn’t quite have it at the end and we had a great team effort today,” said Anderson, who was the dedicated sprinter for Canada at the finish line.

“Each year it gets better and more pristine. I think it will continue to be a strong event. Each year it gets bigger, and becomes even more important to win. It’s a special event, and I am glad it’s in Canada.”

The riders will now transfer to Montreal tomorrow morning on Via Rail, arriving in Montreal train station at noon. The Grand Prix cycliste de Montréal will be held Sunday.